VS
At a Glance
Power
150 kW
106kW@6000
Torque
310 Nm
189Nm@4250
Fuel
—
—
Towing
—
1100
0-100 km/h
7.0 s
—
Engine
electric cc
1998
Choosing between the BYD Dolphin and the KIA CARENS is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The BYD Dolphin delivers 150 kW while the KIA CARENS produces 106kW@6000. Pricing starts at R602 900 for the Dolphin and R253 995 for the CARENS. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Performance
Power Output
150 kW
106kW@6000
Torque
310 Nm
189Nm@4250
0-100 kph
7.0 s
—
Top Speed
159 Km/h
—
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
electric cc
1998
Engine Layout
—
TRANSVERSE INLINE 4
Cylinders
—
4
Fuel Type
electric
UNLEADED
Transmission
automatic
AUTOMATIC
Number of Gears
—
4
Drive Wheels
front
FRONT
Full Time 4x4
—
✗
Low Range
—
✗
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
—
—
Fuel Consumption Urban
—
—
Fuel Consumption Highway
—
—
Fuel Tank Capacity
60.5 kWh l
55
CO2 Emissions
—
—
Dimensions
Length
4290 mm
4545
Width
1770-2012 mm
1800
Height
1570 mm
1650
Wheelbase
2700 mm
2560
Ground Clearance
—
156
Kerb Weight
1658 Kg
1498
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
7
Load Volume
345-1310 l
—
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
—
1100
Load Capacity
—
2106
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
—
Stability Control
✓ Standard
ESP
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
6
6
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✗
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
—
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✗
Satellite Navigation
—
✗
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
—
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✗
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✗
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✗
Electric Seat Adjustment
—
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✗
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
3 vehicle / 8 battery
120
Warranty Distance
100000 vehicle / 200000 battery Km
150000
Service Plan
—
M
Service Intervals
20000
30000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
KIA CARENS
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Dolphin
Fuel Economy
Tied
Value
CARENS
Practicality
CARENS
Pros & Cons
BYD Dolphin
Well-rounded specification
Higher starting price
KIA CARENS
Lower starting price (R253 995)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has more power, the Dolphin or CARENS?
The Dolphin produces 150 kW and 310 Nm of torque while the CARENS delivers 106kW@6000 and 189Nm@4250 of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the Dolphin and CARENS?
The Dolphin starts from R602 900 and the CARENS from R253 995. The CARENS is cheaper by R348 905 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Dolphin or CARENS?
The Dolphin has a braked towing capacity of not specified and the CARENS can tow 1100. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Dolphin or the CARENS?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the L/100km figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day South African driving - load shedding runs, potholed roads, school runs and highway commutes - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.